Orange County Focus

LAGUNA NIGUEL : City to Contract for Protection by Sheriff

A committee's recommendation that Laguna Niguel contract with the Orange County Sheriff's Department to increase police services in the city has been endorsed by the City Council.

On Tuesday, the council directed city staff members to negotiate a final contract that would shift traffic services from the California Highway Patrol to the Sheriff's Department while increasing crime protection for the city. According to Councilman Jim Krembas, Laguna Niguel's population has swollen from 9,000 to 45,000 since 1977, with little change in police protection.

The contract, which is expected to cost $3.3 million, will be effective July 1, according to Pam Van Haun, assistant to the city manager.